Mohammed Siraj Creates History with Four-Wicket Haul at The Oval, Leads India’s Attack in Fifth Test

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Mohammed Siraj delivered a standout performance at The Oval on Friday (August 1), spearheading India's bowling effort in the ongoing fifth Test against England. The 31-year-old pacer returned figures of 4/86 from 16.2 overs in the first innings, playing a pivotal role in bowling the hosts out for 247.

This impressive display not only put India in a commanding position but also etched Siraj's name in the history books. He became the first Indian bowler to register multiple four-wicket hauls in Test matches at The Oval, a notable achievement at the iconic London venue.

Interestingly, Siraj had previously claimed 4 wickets during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at the same ground in June 2023. In that match, he picked up 4/108 from 28.3 overs in the first innings, making The Oval a happy hunting ground for the Hyderabad pacer.

On Day 1 of the current match, Siraj began his demolition job by removing England's stand-in skipper Ollie Pope, trapping him leg-before for 22 off 44 balls. His next victim was former captain Joe Root, who suffered the same fate after scoring 29 off 45 balls. Siraj continued to exploit the conditions and struck again to send back Jacob Bethell, a late inclusion in the side in place of Ben Stokes, for just 6 runs.

He wrapped up England's innings by clean bowling the dangerous Harry Brook for 53 in the 52nd over, ensuring India finished on top in the first innings.

Siraj wasn't the only Indian bowler to shine-Prasidh Krishna also impressed, matching Siraj's wicket tally with figures of 4/62 from 16 overs.

With this four-wicket haul, Siraj now leads the wicket charts in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, having scalped 18 wickets in eight innings across five Tests. Close behind is England's Ben Stokes with 17 dismissals in just four games.

Siraj's consistent performances have underlined his growing stature in red-ball cricket and further bolstered India's pace arsenal as they chase a series win on English soil.